Job description

Overview

Middle Way School is pioneering a new model of education based on the best in education research and enhanced by the wisdom and compassion of Buddhist traditions. Master teachers with a deep understanding of childhood development are the pillars of this education. Lead teachers are responsible for co-creating, evaluating, implementing and documenting curricula in cooperation with the Head of School, curriculum coordinators, and other teachers in the school. Lead teachers are responsible for supporting students’ development in all areas including social-emotional, physical, academic. They also work with the dharma curriculum coordinator to integrate Buddhist wisdom and practice into the classroom. Lead teachers assess students’ progress and report to parents on a regular basis. MWS school culture relies on daily meditation and ample professional support. We expect our teachers to meet conventional outcomes in unconventional ways and use skillful means to differentiate in ways that help meet students academically and socially. Teachers are expected to explore the Middle Way model of development and actively engage in its creation. Being a practicing Buddhist is not necessary, however, an understanding of Buddhist principles and terminology is expected. In addition, we ask that all staff develop a personal contemplative practice of some kind.

Middle Way School recognizes that we have the responsibility to actively change the power differences that perpetuate biases against historically underrepresented groups. Our inclusion efforts are a dynamic process. We are most interested in finding the best person for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Responsibilities

• Creating a positive, nurturing classroom community
• Setting up and maintaining an organized and inviting classroom environment
• Developing and documenting curriculum including unit and lesson plans
• Collaborating with other staff regarding curriculum development and documentation of work.
• Providing differentiated instruction to support and challenge students across academic subjects
• Maintaining frequent contact with parents including a weekly newsletter
• Writing narrative reports twice per year and leading parent-teacher conferences with benchmarks documentation twice per year
• Supporting and training of interns/assistants
• Developing, planning and supervising field trips
• Attending staff meetings
• Planning and participating in seasonal celebrations and events
• Supervising two recess periods each day
• Participating in the admissions process
• Exploring and maintaining a contemplative practice and occasional dharma study
• Pursuing ongoing professional development
• Participating in summer curriculum development and classroom setup

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of current best practices in elementary education, including play-based learning, outdoor education, early childhood development, mindfulness and social emotional learning
• Background in progressive education and constructivist theory and ability to put it into practice
• Knowledge, understanding, and use of active learning strategies to support a range of learners
• Ability to creatively integrate and adapt curriculum to engage learners
• A creative and rigorous approach to information gathering and analysis, ability to understand broad ideas and synthesize
• Clear communication – excellent command of written and spoken English
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team – especially when it is necessary to facilitate change, overcome an impasse, face an issue, or ensure that decisions are made.

Qualities

• A passion for education and carrying out the vision and mission of Middle Way
• A love and understanding of children and early childhood development
• An interest in personal and professional growth
• Open to the teachings of the Buddhadharma
• Flexible, open-minded, adaptable, patient with change
• Able to work independently and in teams
• Practical and resourceful
• Able to see the merits of perspectives other than his/her own; openness to different and new ways of doing things
• Reliable and respectful of deadlines
• Humor!

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred
• Preferably 3-5 years of experience in grade level

Physical Capabilities

• A high level of stamina
• Ability to lift 25-30 lbs.
• Ability to move, see, hear, and speak with children to ensure children’s health and safety.

Terms

• On-site at Middle Way School in Saugerties, NY
• Schedule is 7:55 AM - 3:30 PM for the entirety of the 2023-2024 academic year
• All school breaks paid
• New York State background check

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in a position at Middle Way along with a resume to careers@middlewayschool.org.

We hire and enroll without discriminating against any identifying factor which may include race, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic background. We will make accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities to the fullest extent possible. As an institution and as individuals we recognize that we have the responsibility to actively change the power differences that perpetuate biases against historically underrepresented groups. Our inclusion efforts are a dynamic process. We welcome your experience and invite your input on how our school community can continue to evolve.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Grade levels:

• Elementary school

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

School type:

• Private school

COVID-19 considerations:
MWS employees are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a medical exemption approved by the MWS Board of Trustees.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Saugerties, NY 12477: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

musicforspaceships.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, musicforspaceships.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, musicforspaceships.com is the ideal place to find your next job.